How to Choose the Best Real Estate Agent: 7 Expert Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers [2025 Guide]

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, and choosing the right real estate professional can make all the difference. A skilled real estate agent will guide you through the complex process while protecting your interests and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Your perfect agent match needs more than just industry knowledge; they should understand your unique needs and communicate effectively throughout the transaction. In today’s competitive real estate market, you’ll want a professional who combines local expertise with strong negotiation skills and a proven track record of success. Let’s explore how to find and select a real estate professional who’ll be your trusted partner in achieving your real estate goals.

Understanding the Role of a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents serve as professional intermediaries in property transactions. They combine market expertise with industry knowledge to guide clients through buying or selling processes.

Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Agents

Buyer’s agents focus on finding properties that match their clients’ criteria. Seller’s agents, also called listing agents, market properties and aim to secure the best price for sellers. Both types handle negotiations, paperwork and coordinate with other real estate professionals.

The Value a Real Estate Agent Can Bring

A real estate professional provides market analysis, pricing strategies and access to exclusive property listings. They handle contract negotiations, coordinate inspections and manage transaction paperwork. Their expertise saves clients time while maximizing financial outcomes through strategic pricing and negotiation tactics.

Essential Qualities to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

A successful real estate transaction depends on selecting an agent with the right combination of skills and expertise. Below are the key qualities that set exceptional professionals apart.

Experience and Track Record

Look for real estate agents with a consistent track record of recent transactions in your local market. Review their transaction history, including sale-to-list price ratios, average days on market, and ask for references from recent clients to verify performance. A proven track record demonstrates the agent’s ability to close deals effectively.

Local Market Knowledge

The best professionals maintain detailed insights about neighbourhood trends, property values, local regulations, and regional zoning changes. They understand micro-market dynamics, including school districts, amenities, and upcoming developments or infrastructure projects. This knowledge enables them to identify opportunities, price properties competitively, provide accurate market analysis and help you anticipate value shifts over time.

Communication Skills

Top realtors respond promptly through multiple channels like phone, email, or text, based on client preferences. They explain complex real estate terms clearly, keep clients updated on transaction progress, and proactively address concerns. Regular transparent communication builds trust and streamlines the buying or selling process, improving decision speed.

Where to Find Qualified Realtors

Finding qualified real estate professionals involves exploring trusted sources to identify experienced professionals who match your property goals.

Personal Recommendations

Personal referrals from friends, family, or colleagues offer firsthand insight into a realtor’s reliability and effectiveness, often pointing you toward professionals with a strong track record in transactions similar to yours. Those who have recently bought or sold in your target area can share relevant feedback about an agent’s local knowledge, communication style, and overall performance.

Online Reviews and Ratings

Digital platforms like Rate-My-Agent.ca, Realtor.ca profiles, and Google Business listings display agent profiles with verified client reviews. These platforms may highlight performance metrics, client testimonials and transaction history. Always verify reviews against licensing boards or professional organizations such as the CREA. Comprehensive online research reveals patterns in agent responsiveness, negotiation skills, and market knowledge.

Interviewing Potential Agents

The interview process reveals an agent’s expertise, communication style and commitment to client success. Meeting with at least three agents allows for effective comparison of qualifications and services.

Key Questions to Ask

Experience & Track Record

• How many transactions did you complete in the past 12 months?
• What’s your average list-price-to-sales-price ratio?
• Do you specialize in my target neighbourhood?

Service Approach

• What’s your communication schedule with clients?
• How many clients do you work with simultaneously?
• What distinguishes your services from other agents?

Professional Concerns

• Inability to provide recent client references
• Limited knowledge of local market data
• Delayed responses to calls or emails
• Pressure tactics for immediate commitment
• Reluctance to explain key market risks 
• Overly optimistic price promises

• Unusually low commission rates
• No written marketing plan for sellers
• Lack of proper licensing credentials
• Unwillingness to explain contract terms

Evaluating the Business Relationship

A successful real estate transaction depends on establishing a clear business relationship with your realtor. The relationship encompasses commission structures, contractual obligations, and specific terms of service.

Commission Rates and Terms

Standard commission rates range from 4% to 6% of the sale price, split between buyer’s and seller’s agents. However, commission is not standardized and is negotiable. Commission structures vary depending on region, brokerage, property type, and service level. They may also vary based on: 

• Fixed percentage rates for traditional sales
• Reduced fees for dual agency representation
• Tiered pricing for luxury properties valued over $1.5 million
• Variable rates for short sales or foreclosures

Contract Details

Real estate agreements in Canada are governed by provincial regulations, but standard forms are typically used through local real estate boards or provincial associations (e.g., OREA in Ontario, BCREA in British Columbia). Key components include:

• Listing agreement duration:
  • Usually 60 to 120 days for sellers. Extensions are negotiable.
  • Buyers may not be required to sign exclusive buyer representation agreements, though doing so is encouraged in competitive markets.
• Exclusive vs. non-exclusive representation:
  • Exclusive agreements give the agent sole rights to represent you. Non-exclusive allows you to work with multiple agents. In seller agreements, exclusivity is standard.
• Marketing commitments:
  • Should include details on professional photography, MLS listing, social media promotion, open houses, virtual tours, and staging services (if applicable).
• Detailed list of services:
  • All inclusions, such as pricing strategy consultations, negotiation, offer presentation, and post-sale support, should be spelled out.
• Termination clauses:
  • The contract should clearly define under what conditions the agreement can be ended early, whether by mutual agreement or due to breach of contract.
• Obligations of both parties:
  • This includes timelines, disclosure duties, response times, and cooperation expectations.
• Best practice: 
  • Ensure MLS exposure, digital advertising, and communication timelines are specified in writing. Many brokerages now include digital campaign metrics and automated showing feedback reports as standard.

Conclusion

Selecting the right realtor is a pivotal step in your real estate journey. Your choice will significantly impact both the process and outcome of your property transaction. By taking time to research carefully, interview, and evaluate potential agents, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Remember, the perfect realtor for you combines industry expertise, local knowledge, and strong communication skills, while aligning with your specific needs. Don’t rush this important decision; the right real estate professional will be worth the effort to find.

Take action now by starting your search using the strategies outlined above. Your dream home or successful property sale awaits with the right real estate professional by your side.